The Hidden Costs of Skipping Preventive Care and How to Avoid Them

Many people think seeing a doctor is only something to do when they’re sick. But some of the most important care happens before anything feels wrong at all.

What is preventive care?

Preventive care includes a range of services that help protect your long-term health. These services are often simple, routine, and built into everyday care. Common examples include:

• Annual wellness visits
• Cancer screenings, such as breast, colorectal, cervical, prostate, and skin screenings
• Blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes checks
• Vaccines and boosters
• Mental health screenings
• Dental cleanings
• Vision exams

Most insurance companies cover preventive care at little or no cost. To see what Select Health plans are offered in your area, visit the Select Health plans webpage.

The financial costs of skipping preventive care

Skipping preventive care can feel like a way to save time or money. But over time, it may lead to higher long-term health care costs.

Small issues become expensive problems

Many serious health conditions start small. Without routine screenings and checkups, you may miss early warning signs. When problems are found later, treatment is often more complex and more expensive. This can mean longer recovery, more appointments, and a greater impact on your life.

For example, a report from the American Diabetes Association found that people with diabetes spend 2.6 times more money on healthcare each year than what is expected for those without diabetes.¹ Between medical appointments, lab tests, medication, and lost work time, costs add up.

Not all diabetes cases can be prevented, but many people can catch problems with their PCP to avoid developing the disease. Routine screenings can help identify high blood sugar levels early so appropriate treatment can help reduce the risk of high blood sugar turning into type 2 diabetes.

Hidden costs of skipping preventive care people don’t expect

The financial impact of delayed care doesn’t just affect your medical bills. When you’re sick, it affects work, family responsibilities, and more. Some of the most common hidden costs of delayed care may include:

• Lost income from time away from work
• More frequent doctor visits
• Higher costs for specialists
• Prescription drug costs
• Travel for treatment or specialist visits
• Caregiving expenses for loved ones
• Long-term treatment instead of a one-time solution

Nobody can say for certain if you will have illness in the future that may cost you more in the long run but catching it early may help reduce those potential costs.

The health risks of putting off screenings and checkups

Skipping preventive care doesn’t usually cause immediate problems. That’s what makes it so easy to delay.

In the United States alone, 75% of Americans have a chronic condition, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).² More than half of Americans have two.²

Many chronic health conditions develop slowly, some without symptoms at first. By the time something feels wrong, the issue may already be more serious. Routine screenings and checkups give providers a chance to spot changes early when they may be easier to treat, according to the CDC.³

For example, if you are getting annual checkups with your primary care provider (PCP), you may be able to catch high blood pressure early on. By identifying the issue and treating it early, you may be able to stop or delay scary diseases, like heart disease or stroke.

How to add preventive care to your routine

Preventive care should start with a visit to your PCP. Once you’ve made the appointment, it’s just a matter of staying organized and attentive to your health. Here are some tips:

• Create a simple annual checklist that includes one wellness visit, age-based screenings, needed vaccines, dental cleanings, and an eye exam.
• Use reminders and digital tools, such as patient portals, calendar alerts, and mobile health apps to schedule care, review results, or follow up.
• Keep track of your family health history, your own lifestyle habits, and any concerns you want to address with your PCP.

Depending on what your doctor recommends, you may have to follow up with specialists or take medications routinely. Be sure to follow the treatment plan you and your provider agree on.

Choose a health plan that supports prevention

The right health insurance plan can remove barriers, reduce confusion, and make routine care feel more accessible. But not all health plans are the same. Some offer more flexibility, better access, and clearer support than others. Look for a plan that includes:

• Coverage for routine checkups and screenings
• A strong network of accessible providers
• Virtual visit options
• Wellness tools and health programs

Select Health’s mission is to help people live their healthiest lives possible. Our health insurance plans provide members with the coverage and resources they need to make informed decisions about their health.

To browse plans that support you, your family, or your employees, visit the Select Health website.